Government: Local and State — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. A new playground is being built in your town. Which level of government most likely planned it?
A) federal government
B) state government
C) local government
D) no government was involved
Local government is responsible for running city services like fire departments, public parks, and libraries.
2. Why do citizens pay taxes to the government?
A) to keep extra money safe
B) to pay for public services like roads and schools
C) to give gifts to leaders
D) to buy things only for the mayor
Taxes are money citizens pay to the government so it can provide public services like roads, schools, and parks.
3. Which statement about voting is true?
A) Only government leaders can vote.
B) Children can vote in all elections.
C) Voting lets citizens choose their leaders.
D) People must vote for the same person.
Voting is important because it gives citizens a voice in choosing the leaders who will make decisions for the community.
4. How are the jobs of a mayor and a governor alike?
A) They both lead the whole country.
B) They both lead a level of government and serve the people.
C) They both work in Washington, D.C.
D) They both run the fire department.
Both a mayor and a governor are elected leaders who serve the people — a mayor at the local level and a governor at the state level.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. When citizens disagree with a law, they can write letters to their elected representatives.
Representatives are elected officials who make decisions and vote on laws on behalf of the citizens they serve.
2. The state government is in charge of issuing drivers' licenses to people who pass the test.
Driver's licenses are issued by state government to certify that a person is allowed to drive a vehicle.
3. A citizen is a person who lives in and belongs to a community or country.
A citizen is a person who belongs to a country and has both rights, like voting, and duties, like following laws.
4. Local leaders hold public hearings so community members can ask questions.
Town hearings or town hall meetings are public gatherings where citizens can voice their opinions to government leaders.
5. The three levels of government in the United States are local, state, and federal.
The federal government is the highest level of government in the United States, responsible for the entire country.